Compacts and apparatuses for holding cosmetics

ABSTRACT

This application presents various containers for cosmetics: a hingeless compact, a compact with magnetic swivels and a compact with a track system. The hingeless compact has a first base portion with prong arms that pass through a second base portion and engage slots or engagement areas on a lid. A compact with magnetic swivels has base and a top that sandwich at least one inner tray; the inner tray is connected to the base and top at one swivel or pivot using an axis or peg; magnetic connections can keep the trays from being unintentionally opened. A compact with a track system allows movement of a tray from a first closed position to a second open position and allows for multiple intermediate positions along the length or travel of the track.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/384,700, filed on Sep. 7, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/530,067, filed on Jul. 7, 2017; this application is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/257,911, filed on Sep. 7, 2016; U.S. Design Patent Application 29577194, filed on Sep. 9, 2016; U.S. Design Patent Application 29577196, filed on Sep. 9, 2016, which are all incorporated by reference in entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to containers or compacts for cosmetics.

2. Description of Related Art

Prior to the present invention, there has always been a need to have containers to hold cosmetics, foundation and make-up (solid, powder and liquid form) in an easy to carry, organize and open/close manner; there is also a need for containers to hold multiple colors of eye powders and eye shadows in an easily accessible and compact fashion. Also, there is a need to incorporate a mirror in cover or a separate compartment that can be completely detached from the main body.

From the preceding descriptions, it is apparent that the devices currently being used have significant disadvantages. Thus, important aspects of the technology used in the field of invention remain amenable to useful refinement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus for holding cosmetics including without limitation eye powders, shadows, foundations and other solid cosmetic materials.

Hingeless Compact: an apparatus for holding cosmetics comprising: a base and a lid; the base has a first base portion and a second base portion; the lid has at least one slot and at least one lid edge; the first base portion has prong arms; the second base portion has openings to correspond to the prong arms and are oriented to allow the prong arms to pass through the openings on the second base; and the prong arms are able to engage the slots of the lid, whereby the first base portion, the second base portion and the lid are secured together.

Compact with Magnetic Swivel

The apparatus has a base, a first or inner tray, a cover for the first or inner tray and a top cover; there can be multiple or additional trays and covers for the additional inner trays (second, third, etc.). The inner trays are connected to the base and the covers at one swivel or pivot point using an axis or peg. At a different location on the inner tray or on the cover for the inner tray are magnets and corresponding pieces, which have metals with iron or nickel to be attracted to the magnet; for example, the magnet can be on one inner tray and an adjacent inner cover (or a second inner tray) can have an associated or corresponding metal piece. The magnets will be attracted to the metal pieces and keep the apparatus closed.

Compact with Track System

An apparatus for holding cosmetics that employs a track system that allows movement of a tray from a first closed position to a second open position; this track system also allows for multiple intermediate positions along the length or travel of the track.

The present invention introduces such refinements. In its preferred embodiments, the present invention has several aspects or facets that can be used independently, although they are preferably employed together to optimize their benefits. All of the foregoing operational principles and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated upon consideration of the following detailed description, with reference to the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one preferred embodiment of the apparatus, container or compact with a hingeless cover and shows the hingeless cover with the mirror side facing inside;

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the mirror side facing outside.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention with the cover having a lid slot, which is centered within or inside the lid edge.

FIG. 5 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention with the cover having a lid slot, which runs or extends along the side of the lid or along the entire lid edge.

FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and how the lid can slide on or off.

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the lid snapped on or off.

FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the lid and mirror portion placed in a landscape view;

FIG. 9 shows this embodiment in portrait view.

FIG. 10 show a cross-sectional view of how the at least one arm or flexible arm and the at least one tip can engage the lid and through the at least one slotted opening of the tray.

PARTS LISTING FOR FIG. 1-10

-   10 compact or an apparatus for holding cosmetics -   15 base; -   20 tray; -   25 lid; -   30 at least one arm of the base; the arm can also be flexible; -   35 at least one slotted opening of the tray, which is oriented to     allow the at least one flexible arm to pass through the at least one     slotted opening on the tray; -   40 tip of the at least one flexible arm; -   45 at least one bay of the lid, which is oriented to be able to     engage the tip on the at least one flexible arm of the base; -   50 at least one lid edge; -   55 at least one tray cavity for the cosmetics. -   60 lid bays, slots or channels -   65 arms of the base -   70 slotted openings of the tray. -   75 a mirror on the lid; and -   80 groove of the tray to hold the at least one lid edge, whereby     when the lid is disengaged from the tip of the at least one flexible     arm and the tray, the at least one lid edge can be placed within the     groove of the tray. -   85 at least one bay on the lid is tapered. -   90 at least one bay is a slot, a channel or a groove. -   95 at least one bay is a channel that extends around the lid. -   100 mirror on lid -   105 groove for lid on tray

Drawings for Magnetic Compact

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of the magnetic compact;

FIG. 12 shows one inner tray portion with a peg or prong upwards;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view;

FIG. 14 shows the trays in multiple positions;

Drawings for Track Compact

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of the compact with a track system;

FIG. 16 shows a lower tray being movable from a first closed position to a second open position;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view;

FIGS. 18 and 19 show different positions of the lower tray along the length of the track system;

FIG. 20 shows the upper tray open, and the lower tray in an open position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hingeless Compact (With a Snap-In Lid Palette)

FIGS. 1-10 show several preferred embodiments for a compact or an apparatus for holding cosmetics comprising: a base, a tray and a lid; this lid is a hingeless cover.

-   1. Base: The base has at least one arm or flexible arm. One     preferred embodiment has multiple or two arms that arise up from the     base. The at least one tip can have a hook, hooked tip, a flexible     tip or a grasping point. -   2. Tray: The tray has at least one slotted opening, which is     oriented to allow the at least one flexible arm to pass through the     at least one slotted opening on the tray; the tray can have at least     one cavity for the cosmetics. The preferred embodiment shown in the     drawings has multiple or two slotted openings to engage the two     flexible arms of the base. -   3. Lid: The lid has at least one bay or engagement area, which is     oriented to be able to engage or accept the tip on the at least one     flexible arm of the base; the lid can have at least one lid edge;     wherein the at least one flexible arm is able to be oriented to pass     through the at least one slotted opening on the tray, and the tip of     the at least one arm or flexible arm is able to engage the at least     one lid edge to secure the base, the tray and the lid together

The lid can have multiple or two bays; the base can have multiple arms, including two flexible arms, and the tray can have multiple, including two slotted openings. The lid can also have a mirror or a slot for a mirror; the lid can be engaged by the at least one flexible arm in a first position and a second position, whereby the mirror is inwardly facing in the first position and outwardly facing in the second position. The lid can be detachable, and the tray has a groove to hold the at least one lid edge, whereby when the lid is disengaged from the tip of the at least one flexible arm and the tray, the at least one lid edge can be placed within the groove of the tray.

The at least one lid edge can be engaged to the tray in a first position and a second position; the at least one bay on the lid can be uniform or tapered. The at least one bay can be a slot, a channel or a groove; the at least one bay can be a channel that extends around the lid or the perimeter of the lid. The base, the tray and the lid can have curved or flat edges.

There is an apparatus for holding cosmetics comprising: a base and a lid; the base has a first base portion and a second base portion; the lid has two slots and at least one lid edge; the first base portion has two flexible prong arms; the second base portion has two openings, which are oriented to allow the flexible prong arms to pass through the openings on the second base; and the flexible prong arms being able to engage the slots of the lid, whereby the first base portion, the second base portion and the lid are secured together.

The lid can have a mirror or a translucent or transparent window; the slots on the lid can be tapered; the lid can be detachable, and the second base portion can have a groove to hold the at least one lid edge, whereby when the lid is disengaged from the flexible prong arms, the at least one lid edge can be placed within the groove of the second base portion. The slots on the lid can be channels or grooves.

An apparatus for holding cosmetics comprising: a base, a tray and a lid; the base has at least one arm; the tray has at least one slotted opening, which is oriented to allow the at least one arm of the base to pass through the at least one slotted opening on the tray; at least one arm of the base has a tip or a terminal end with a hook or a grasping head; the lid can have at least one bay, which is oriented to be able to engage the tip on the at least one arm of the base; the lid can have at least one lid edge; wherein the at least one arm is oriented to pass through the at least one slotted opening on the tray, and the tip of the at least one arm being able to engage the at least one lid edge to secure the base, the tray and the lid together; the tray can also have at least one cavity or compartment for the cosmetics; the lid can house a mirror; the at least one arm can be flexible; and the at least one bay can be a slot, a channel or a groove.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the base or body has a first end and a second end; the base or body can have various and numerous preformed compartments, divots or areas for holding different types of cosmetics (i.e. different colored powders). The first end of the base or body engages a mirror cover; the mirror cover can comprise multiple pieces, including mirror housing and a mirror bevel and a frame portion; the mirror cover can rotatably engage the base or body with a hinged or hinge-less engagement.

The second end of the base or body engages a bottom portion; a bottom portion has at least one flexible snap feature or boss; this at least one flexible snap feature or boss engages the at least one opening on the base or body that corresponds to allow for male/female engagement of the bottom portion with the second end of the base. This engagement of the flexible snap feature relies upon a certain amount of flexibility in the material of the base bottom to engage the openings in the base top or body. The mirrors can be attached facing in or facing out, and the mirrors are also designed so that they can be branded and retained for future use after the cosmetic product is depleted.

An apparatus for holding cosmetics comprising: a base, a tray and a lid; the base can have at least one flexible arm; the tray can have at least one slotted opening, which is oriented to allow the at least one flexible arm to pass through the at least one slotted opening on the tray; the at least one flexible arm can have a tip; the lid can have at least one bay, which is oriented to be able to engage the tip on the at least one flexible arm of the base; the lid having at least one lid edge; wherein the at least one flexible arm is oriented to pass through the at least one slotted opening on the tray, and the tip of the at least one flexible arm being able to engage the at least one lid edge to secure the base, the tray and the lid together. The tray can have at least one cavity for the cosmetics; also, the lid can have multiple, and the base can have two or multiple flexible arms, and the tray can have multiple or two slotted openings. The lid can have a mirror; and the lid can be engaged by the at least one flexible arm in a first position and a second position, whereby the mirror is inwardly facing in the first position and outwardly facing in the second position.

The lid can be detachable, and the tray has a groove to hold the at least one lid edge, whereby when the lid is disengaged from the tip of the at least one flexible arm and the tray, the at least one lid edge can be placed within the groove of the tray; the at least one lid edge can be engaged to the tray in a first position and a second position; a landscape or a portrait view position; at least one bay on the lid can be tapered; the at least one bay can be a slot, a channel or a groove; the base, the tray and the lid can have curved or flat edges; the at least one bay can have a slot or a channel that extends around the lid.

An apparatus for holding cosmetics comprising: a base and a lid; the base can have a first base portion and a second base portion; the lid can have multiple or two slots and at least one lid edge; the first base portion can have multiple or two flexible prong arms; the second base portion can have multiple or two openings, which are oriented to allow the flexible prong arms to pass through the openings on the second base; and the flexible prong arms are being able to engage the slots of the lid, whereby the first base portion, the second base portion and the lid can be removably secured together; the lid can have a mirror or a translucent window; the slots on the lid can be tapered; the lid can be detachable, and the second base portion has a groove to hold the at least one lid edge, whereby when the lid is disengaged from the flexible prong arms, the at least one lid edge can be placed within the groove of the second base portion; the slots can be channels or grooves.

An apparatus for holding cosmetics comprising: a base, a tray and a lid; the base has at least one arm; the tray has at least one slotted opening, which is oriented to allow the at least one arm to pass through the at least one slotted opening on the tray; the at least one arm has a tip; the lid has at least one bay, which is oriented to be able to engage the tip on the at least one arm of the base; the lid can have at least one lid edge, wherein the at least one arm is oriented to pass through the at least one slotted opening on the tray, and the tip of the at least one arm being able to engage the at least one lid edge to secure the base, the tray and the lid together; the tray can further have at least one cavity, bay or compartment for the cosmetics; the lid can have a mirror; the at least one arm is flexible; and the at least one bay is a slot, a channel or a groove.

COMPACT (Detachable Pan for Eye Shadow using a pivot point and magnets)

As shown in FIGS. 11-14, there is an apparatus for holding powered or solid cosmetic material; this apparatus has a base, an inner tray with an inner tray cover and a top or outer cover; there can be multiple or additional inner trays and covers for the additional inner trays (second, third, etc.). The inner trays are connected to the base and the covers at one swivel or pivot point using an axis or peg.

At a different location on the inner tray or the cover for the inner tray are magnets and corresponding metals with iron or nickel or collectively, first and second magnetic connections; for example, the magnet can be on one inner tray and an adjacent inner cover or a second inner tray can have an associated or corresponding metal piece. The magnets will be attracted to the metal pieces and keep the apparatus closed.

Another feature of this invention allows for the tray with the pivot post to be able to disengage from the tray above, thereby allowing multiple trays to be separated from each other. The slot on an upper tray or cover with which the pivot post on a lower tray engages has an “over center” engagement/disengagement surface.

Base: The base portion can mimic the shape of the apparatus or the inner tray and can have a base opening and base walls; without being limiting, the base should be flat or relatively flat; the base can have a hole that corresponds to the same orientation as the rotating axis peg or boss.

At least one inner tray: There is at least one inner tray or pan; in Fig. Page 1, there are multiple or three inner trays or pans that each pivot around a common axis or peg point. The at least one tray or pan has an opening, cavity or area to place the cosmetic powder or solid material; this cavity or area can be defined by a lip or boundary; the inner tray has a body with struts or structural ribs; the inner tray can have areas to hold a magnet, metal piece or a pivot point or boss.

At least one cover for the first or inner tray: There is at least one cover for the inner tray; the inner tray cover has areas to hold a magnet, metal piece or a pivot point or boss; the inner tray cover has an opening that corresponds to the cavity or area on the inner tray, in order to allow access to the cosmetics stored therein.

A top portion or top cover covers the at least one cover for the first or inner tray. This top portion or cover can have a transparent or see through window or a mirror placed on the inside or outside cover surface. There can be multiple or additional trays and covers for the additional inner trays (second, third, etc.).

Swivel point or axis: The inner trays are connected to the base and the covers at one swivel or pivot point using an axis or peg. This peg or post form an axis and allows the trays to rotate, to swivel and the pivot so that the user can access different trays (one, two or all the trays) at the same time.

An apparatus for holding cosmetics comprising: a base, at least one inner tray, an inner cover and an outer cover; the base has a base opening and a base wall; the at least one inner tray has a tray opening and a pivot post; the pivot post can engage the base opening on the base; the at least one inner tray has a first magnetic connection; the inner cover has an engagement slot for the pivot post of the at least one inner tray and a second magnetic connection; the first magnetic connection of the at least one inner tray is similarly oriented to the second magnetic connection of the inner cover; the outer cover fits over the inner cover; the tray opening of the at least one inner tray can hold a container for the cosmetics; whereby the at least one inner tray can swing about the pivot post and rotate from a first position to a second position, and the first magnetic connection of the at least one inner tray engages the second magnetic connection of the inner cover to keep the apparatus in a closed position; the cover can be transparent or has a mirror.

COMPACT (Easy Applicator Compact (Track) Closure System)

As shown in FIG. 15-20, there is an apparatus for holding cosmetics that employs a track system that allows movement of a tray from a first or closed position to a second or open position; this track system also allows for multiple intermediate positions along the length or travel of the track.

1. Base or First Tray: The base or the first tray has enclosures or spaces to hold additional cosmetic materials or applicator tools (brushes or sponges and the like). The base has a pin or a portion that slidably engages the track within the middle or second tray.

2. Middle or Second Tray: There is at least one middle or additional tray, including a second tray that engages the base; this middle or second tray has a top surface and a bottom surface; the bottom surface has a track system or channel system that slidably engages the pin or portion on the base or first tray.

The track system allows the middle tray to go from a first or closed position; to a second or intermediate position; and to a third or completely open position. There also can be a closure system that snap locks the middle tray into the base; there can also be an interference restraint on both sides of the track that holds the middle tray in a fully extended and open position. The middle or second tray holds the cosmetic materials, including without limitation: eye powders, foundations and the like. There can be multiple separate compartments.

3. Cover. A cover engages the middle or second tray; the cover can be solid and with a mirror; the cover can be transparent or translucent to allow the user to view the contents of the middle tray. There is an apparatus of holding cosmetics comprising: a first tray or a base with a pin; a second tray or a middle tray with a track or a channel, which engages the pin; and cover for the second tray or the middle tray.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Further, the title, headings, terms and phrases used herein are not intended to limit the subject matter or scope; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. The invention is composed of several sub-parts that serve a portion of the total functionality of the invention independently and contribute to system level functionality when combined with other parts of the invention.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specific function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, Paragraph 6.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 8,784,854 Choi; U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,041 Candeau; U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,233 Otani; U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2003/0216483 Hermann. 

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for holding cosmetics comprising, A base, a tray and a lid; The base has at least one flexible arm; The tray has at least one slotted opening, which is oriented to allow the at least one flexible arm to pass through the at least one slotted opening on the tray; The at least one flexible arm has a tip; The lid has at least one bay, which is oriented to be able to engage the tip on the at least one flexible arm of the base; The lid having at least one lid edge; Wherein the at least one flexible arm is oriented to pass through the at least one slotted opening on the tray, and the tip of the at least one flexible arm being able to engage the at least one lid edge to secure the base, the tray and the lid together.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tray has at least one cavity for the cosmetics.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lid has two bays; the base has two flexible arms, and the tray has two slotted openings.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lid has a mirror; and the lid is engaged by the at least one flexible arm in a first position and a second position, whereby the mirror is inwardly facing in the first position and outwardly facing in the second position.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lid is detachable, and the tray has a groove to hold the at least one lid edge, whereby when the lid is disengaged from the tip of the at least one flexible arm and the tray, the at least one lid edge can be placed within the groove of the tray.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one lid edge is engaged to the tray in a first position and a second position.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one bay on the lid is tapered.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one bay is a slot, a channel or a groove.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base, the tray and the lid have curved or flat edges.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one bay is a channel that extends around the lid.
 11. An apparatus for holding cosmetics comprising, A base and a lid; The base has a first base portion and a second base portion; The lid has two slots and at least one lid edge; The first base portion has two flexible prong arms; The second base portion has two openings, which are oriented to allow the flexible prong arms to pass through the openings on the second base; and The flexible prong arms being able to engage the slots of the lid, whereby the first base portion, the second base portion and the lid are secured together.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the lid has a mirror or a translucent window.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the slots on the lid are tapered.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the lid is detachable, and the second base portion has a groove to hold the at least one lid edge, whereby when the lid is disengaged from the flexible prong arms, the at least one lid edge can be placed within the groove of the second base portion.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the slots are channels or grooves.
 16. An apparatus for holding cosmetics comprising, A base, a tray and a lid; The base has at least one arm; The tray has at least one slotted opening, which is oriented to allow the at least one arm to pass through the at least one slotted opening on the tray; The at least one arm has a tip; The lid has at least one bay, which is oriented to be able to engage the tip on the at least one arm of the base; The lid having at least one lid edge; Wherein the at least one arm is oriented to pass through the at least one slotted opening on the tray, and the tip of the at least one arm being able to engage the at least one lid edge to secure the base, the tray and the lid together.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the tray has at least one cavity for the cosmetics; the lid has a mirror; the at least one arm is flexible; and the at least one bay is a slot, a channel or a groove. 